The Patriarchal Theological School of Halki
This new year is one of promise and expectation, yet it marks a sad but significant anniversary of which we faithful should always be cognizant. This year is the 50th anniversary of the tragic closure of the historic and renown Patriarchal Theological School of Halki . As an Archon of the Great Church, I deeply feel that we Orthodox Christians should be aware of the impact of this tragic attack on Religious Liberty. Most especially at this time. after the unlawful conversion into a mosque of the Great Cathedral of Hagia Sophia and the historic Church of Our Saviour in Chora by the Turkish government, we need to educate ourselves. Our school of Halki has been educating Orthodox clergy since 1844, yet it remains closed by order of the Turkish authorities. Below please find an excellent paper by Archon Elias Damianakis, the celebrated iconographer. Please take a few minutes to educate yourselves. Tell the story and support the reopening of our school as a matter of Religious Freedom with letters to your elected officials. God Bless and Happy New Year…..Fr. George